Hannah May Scott - Caged

Hannah May Scott

Caged
​self-released; 2019

​3.7 out of 5

By Dan Weston

Hannah May Scott is a sixteen-year-old musician from Australia who recently released Caged. She actually recorded the vocals when she was fourteen and fifteen. Suffice it to say she doesn't sound her age. She sounds much older than that. She was initially described “as a soul/R&B feel by way of Aretha.” Scott collaborates with her father Tim Scott on these songs.

The album opens with the title track “Caged” which is one of the more explosive and single worthy songs in the batch. There is no doubt her vocals are powerful and soulful against the blaring horns and funky bass.  The song is also quite catchy. On the chorus she sings, “Caged /  I’m feeling caged.”

Up next is “Dancing through the night.” This song is much more lush and soft in general. The song is very relaxing and in fact made me a little sleepy. The lyrics actually reinforce that she also wants to hit the hay. She sings, “Dancing, I’ve been dancing through the night / And I’m so tired / Two AM / And I’m hanging by a thread / My breath comes sharp / And I’m hiding in my bed.”

She seems reinvigorated on “Be my own girl” which is still fairly mellow but has more dynamic vocals. Next up is “Lately” which was a surprise. The music here especially on the verse leans towards reggae. It was a welcome surprise. I loved the way the horns sounded on this track. The good times roll with “Invisible” which is one of the more upbeat songs. I could hear some of the Aretha Franklin influence on “What he said.” Last up is “Pray” which is synth heavy and also one of the most catchiest songs on the album.

​I think there is a good amount of talent here. It’s hard to believe she is so young and has such a commanding voice. I’m looking forward to hearing more from her and there is little doubt in my mind that there will be more to come.

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